Globetrotting Tips for Savvy Traveler

Finland was recently ranked one of the most peaceful, competitive and livable countries. The incredible Finnish landscape is covered by thick pine forests, rolling hills and a labyrinth of lakes and inlets. Much the land is pristine as it contains 35 national parks from the Southern shores of the Gulf of Finland to the high fells of Lapland. The region however is also highly urbanized with many cultural events and activities. 

Suomenlinna is an inhabited sea fortress built on six islands, today within Helsinki. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Finland’s most popular tourist attractions.

I could go on, but I want to mention an article I recently came across by Jim O'Donnell for BootsnAll.com - Five Island Treasures of Finland's Baltic Coast. It goes into the history of the formation of Finland's nearly 180,000 (!) islands, many of which are now National Parks, Biosphere Reserves or World Heritage Sites. As he writes,

"Finland's islands are a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.  This is the place where the sky meets the sea and where the feeling is that of being at the edges of the Earth. The air is quiet and the sea relatively calm.  On the aquamarine waters of the inlets, sailboats glide under candy blue skies filled with playful terns and cotton-ball clouds. Sea geese pass overhead, eagles turn far above, swans crowd on an outer edge next to pink masses of granite.  Steer a small rented boat – or better yet, a kayak – through groups of eiders to fish for large pike and trout.  Then there is the silence and the peace, the sound of the waves, the breeze off the sea."

Check out the full article for a complete list on where to start your adventure through this amazing place - Jurmo, Utö, Nötö, Aspö & Houtskär - you don't want to miss out. 

When you're ready to go, contact us at Uniglobe Donaldson - we have the experience and expertise to plan and book your perfect trip!

It's hard to pinpoint a top destination in Italy. Rome, for the history? Venice, for the romance? The Amalfi Coast for sheer beauty?

One of our favorite places to visit is Tuscany. This incredible region is known for its gorgeous landscapes, its rich artistic legacy and its influence on high culuture. Regarded as the true birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, Tuscany has been home to many influential people in the history of arts and science, now evidenced by the many museums you can visit. Six Tuscan localities are designated World Heritage Sites, and there are 120 protected nature reserves. 

Most especially, Tuscany is known for its unique culinary tradition and famous wines. Earthy flavors and sophisticated dishes make this a foodie heaven.

Now, we're all about eating while on vacation. But why not take it a step further?

There are many, many cooking classes available in the region. One of our favorites is Organic Tuscany. Much more than a cooking school, a week of these hands-on cooking classes in the middle of the Tuscan countryside is not an experience easily forgotten. 

From the website:

"The accommodation will be on a gorgeous, lovingly restored farm which has 6 hectares of olive groves and vineyards. Some of the rooms we will occupy will be frescoed rooms in the elegant manor house, others in a charming cottage next to the ancient oil press. The cooking classes will take place on site, in a spacious, sunny ground floor kitchen in what used to be the wine-making cellar.

The farm has been recently and lovingly restored. Five full years of sustainable conservation work recovered unique architectural features and discovered and restored frescoes. Electricity and heat are generated using renewable sources."

Sourced from fresh, local ingredients, you get to cook with an intimate group of passionate chefs some of the region's favorite dishes. The week-long experience also includes wine-paired lunches, dinners, walking tours, picnics, basket of souvenirs, recipes and more.  

With raving reviews on Trip Advisor, Organic Tuscany sounds like the perfect getaway.

To make this trip happen, contact us at Uniglobe Donaldson. We can make your travel dreams come true!

Sometimes our wanderlust escapes us, and we forget that right within our own Ontario backyard there are plenty of great places to check out. 

I came across this article by Ayngelina of the BaconIsMagic.ca Travel Blog - The sweeter side of Toronto. 

Upon her return to Toronto after some time away travelling, she re-discovered the city, particularly its delicious food scene. Taking a trip on Tasty Tours Toronto she tours Chinatown and the Kensington Market, and by all accounts had a great time. Check out her full article for some heart-warming (and hunger-inducing) goodness.

Most people derive much happiness and personal satisfaction from traveling. I know for me, I feel like everytime I travel I am either growing as a person, or I'm getting some much needed R & R. Either way, I feel great. 

Studies have shown however, that for most people, anticipation. In fact, "you experience 63% of the happiness from your holiday before your plan has even landed." That's probably why post-travel blues can hit us so hard.

Harry Lawrance posted "The Traveller's Guide to Happiness" to the travelsupermarket.com - this is a really cool infographic with some interesting information about making the most of your travels. 

Via: Travelsupermarket holidays finder

One of my favorite activities while traveling is sampling the local food. In somewhere like Los Angeles, with its rich diversity and foodie culture, this is especially wonderful. 

Los Angeles has plenty more to offer (just ask us!), but the cuisine might be one of its biggest drawing points.

Tom Wagner of Demand Media just posted his list of Top 10 Famous Places to Eat in Los Angeles, California.  If you're going to dine in L.A., do it in style. The list has everything from high-end splurge experiences to 24-hr delis.

Check out his full list, and for any other info on L.A., contact us at Donaldon Travel!

Colm Hanratty of the HostelWorld Travel Blog posted the first in a series of articles for the Australia Blog Roundtable, "a collaboration of a group of travel bloggers and writers to blog on one of their favourite subjects: Australia."

"I've a soft spot for Australia for a very special reason ... this was the country that first introduced me to backpacking. If it wasn't for Australia I wouldn't have the job I have now ... travelling around the world, making videos, recording podcasts, gathering content for our free pocket guides and more. I love Australia so much in fact, that I've decided to put together a list of ten reasons I love the country I once called home."

Check out the full article for his list: Ten Reasons Why I Love Australia

Remember!

If you want to add Australia to your travel itinerary for 2012, our experienced travel consultants can help create the perfect trip for you. Just contact us for more info!

Venice is an AMAZING destination - one of the most popular in the world, in fact. Given the high level of tourism the city receives, it's easy to be drawn into a tourist trap.

We want you to visit this magical place, but without breaking the bank. This especially applies to dining, where there can be a huge difference between the rich, wonderful local food and the tourist trap restaurants. 

I wanted to share this article by Bianca Reyes, author of Venice for Rookies: The Do's and Don'ts of Dining in Venice, posted to whereivebeen.com. Now a resident of Venice, Bianca has some great info on dining in the city. Below is an excerpt, but check out the full article!

Tip: Venetian fishermen have Sundays off, so don’t eat at any seafood restaurants on Monday since the fish will most likely be two days old. 

And contact us at Uniglobe Donaldson to plan your trip in 2012! 

If you're in the market for a deluxe vacation at bargain travel prices, Europe in the wintertime just might be your answer. 

Super popular in the summertime, Europe offers both a unique atmosphere and cheaper prices in the colder months. You and your family will have more elbow room to enjoy the sites and more opportunity to live like a local. Plus, following the holiday travel rush, deals to the continent begin to pop up en masse.

To learn more about bargain travel prices to Europe, contact Uniglobe Donaldson Travel Cambridge. Not only can we help you save a few bucks but we can save you the stress of planning and booking your dream vacation.

Still not convinced? Check out the article by Anita Isalska of Lonely Planet: 7 Great Reasons to See Europe in Winter. 

With the holiday season coming up fast, many of us are looking for the perfect gifts to give our family and friends. If there's a traveler on your list, considering buying him or her a Tom Bihn bag. 

These bags are both tough and sophisticated. There is a huge variety of styles and utilities, with everything from a briefcase to a citizen canine (a super modern and simple way to care for your pet on a trip). Perhaps the most useful is The Cadet, a minimalist, checkpoint friendly laptop briefcase that makes carrying, organizing and protecting your tech supplies a cinch. 

This Seattle based company has been producing quality products since 1972. If you're interested, here's the 2011 Holiday Shipping Schedule. 

And as always, contact us with any and all questions about travel! Our experienced consultants can steer you in the right direction. 

Travels With a Nine Year Old, a blog by mother-and-son team Theodora and Z, posted an article on the 10 Most Common RTW Planning Mistakes that I wanted to share. 

Here's an excerpt: 

5. Hitting the High Season

"One of the great bonuses of longterm travel is being able to avoid, to a large degree, the hordes of tourists and fellow travellers who descend on wherever you want to see during high season. Aim to be in popular spots when other people, in general, aren’t. That means missing the Western summer, Easter and winter holidays, and researching local holidays too: religious, national and, importantly, school."

Rome Illuminated is a USA based company offering high quality tours based on your interests and travel goals.

The English-speaking guides of Rome Illuminated are a diverse and passionate team, with years of education and training, who “bring history to life by unlocking Rome’s mysteries and secrets.”

You can take a private tour around the city, through the Vatican, to the Borghese Gallery, the Capitoline Museums, the Roman underground, and much more. Select where you want to go and how long you want to be there, and Rome Illuminated will give you a price estimate and then create a private tour.

Group Tours are also available for a slightly more generic but no less charming experience of the city. Taste wine, visit local markets, and experience the dozens of unforgettable fountains, churches, and squares.

Private tours range from €125 - €225 (for 1-3 people). Larger private group rates go up accordingly. 

Group tour prices range from €30 - €75 (€25 - €75 for students.

Tour price does not include the entry fee for the Vatican or Colosseum. Children 10 and under are free of charge, but many need entry tickets at certain locations.

Best Rome Travel Tips from their website.

P.S.

A trip to Rome is the trip of a lifetime. We want you to fully experience the magic that is this amazing city, minus the stress of planning and booking your trip. We can take care of all of the arrangements so you can focus on doing fun activities and sightseeing. 

Perfect for those traveling on a budget, the Vondelpark Openluchttheater ("Open-Air Theatre) hosts free concerts and performances Fridays through Sundays during the Summer (June 7 - August 24). In addition to the theatre, the park has a film museum, a playground and four cafés.

Vondelpark is 120 acres of public urban park space, located in the stadsdeel Amsterdam Oud-Zuid, west from the Leidseplein and and the Museumplein. The park originally opened in 1865 (designed by the same architect who created the world’s largest tulip field, the Keukenhof), and now welcomes about 10 million visitors every year.

There are lakes, rose gardens, wildlife and serene paths for daytime usage. Locals usually take advantage of this space, and indeed the Park is a great way to meet locals and other tourists alike.

There are four cafés in Vondelpark: Café Vertigo, connected to the Film Museum; the Beergarden at Blauwe Theehuis in the middle of the park; De Vondeltuin near the park’s south end; and De Groot Melkhuis, a more family-oriented, Bavarian-style grand café situated in park’s center. Cafés are generally open from about 10am to midnight.

There is no required admission fee, though last year organizers began requesting a € 1 donation to help offset the city’s new, smaller budget.

Show up at least 45 minutes before the show for a seat. Wander a bit into the Park to find a good spot.

Bring a picnic! Pack some wine, bread, and other goodies with you to enjoy the show if you don’t plan to try one of the cafés.

Thursday night classical performances have been cut and most classical pieces are now performed on Sundays.

Fridays: 2 or 3 dance performances at around 8:30pm and 9pm (more shows during the festival in July). 

Saturdays: 3 or 4 shows between 2pm and 9pm. The line-up varies (alternating music, dance, theater, comedy, cabaret or youth performances). 

Sundays: About 3 shows between 2pm and 6pm. Again, the line-up varies (music, dance, theater, comedy, cabaret or youth performances).

During the summers in Amsterdam sunsets are as late as 10pm, making this a truly sublime way to spend a summer night in the city.

Park Website (Dutch)

Photo Credit

P.S.

Here are Uniglobe Donaldson Travel, we know exactly what it takes to plan your perfect trip. We can take care of all the arrangements, and plan and book your trip around your budget and interests. Just contact us for more information. 

Tucked away from downtown in South Austin, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is peaceful and informative, a quiet getaway for nature lovers who can appreciate native wildlife in one of the country's top research institutions and effective advocates for native plants.

Nature lovers will be captivated by the groomed trails, flowing streams and still pools, and the beautiful architectural design of the gardens. The plants are easily identifiable via the garden’s “Native Plant Information Network, allowing you to search for native plant info by plant traits or names, browse through our collection of 25,367 native plant images, and pose your plant question to our resident horticulturalist.”

The center sponsors a steady schedule of events, exhibits, auctions and more, and offers educational garden touring. Hike, wander through the gardens, visit the gift shop, and stop at the Center’s Café, for surprisingly good, homemade food at affordable prices.

The wildflowers peak in March and April, but the center is open year-round. There are a variety of group visit opportunities including docent-led and self-guided Adult Tours, Youth Group Visits and University field trips.

Wildflower Center grounds:
 9am-5:30pm 
Visitors Gallery: 9am-4pm 

The Store: 9am-5:30pm, Sundays 12-5pm 

Wildflower Café: 9am-5pm, Sundays 11am-5pm

$8 Adults 

$7 Seniors 65 years or older 

$7 Students 13 years & older 

$3 Children 5 through 12 
Free for Members and Children 4 years and under

Address: 4801 La Crosse Avenue 
Austin, Texas 78739 
Tel:             (512) 232-0100       
Google Map

Photo Credit

Bonus!

Austin is becoming a hip, cultural hub in the States, with much to offer the curious traveler: amazing food, a great music scene, and the friendliest people around. Let us help you plan a trip!

Every May something wonderful happens in Prague: 17 days of continuous beer drinking punctuated by delicious Czech and Moravian food. Starting May 17 will be the 5th annual Czech Beer Fest - you don't want to miss it!

The Fest takes place at the gigantic Prague Exhibition Centre: 10,000 seats in three large tents makes for one unbeatable atmosphere. Each tent has its own stage and unique cultural program. You’re served by 200 girls and boys in Czech national costumes.

Sample up to 70 different brands of Czech beer draught - some of the best in the world - and enjoy food from the finest Czech chefs, butchers and bakers.
Here is a list of all the breweries and brewed beer.

Admission is free! You pay for drinks and meals with beer festival money called “tolars” - which you can exchange at the festival and even buy them from your server. The exchange rate is about 1 Tolar = CZK 44 (= $2.60 USD). Buy them in packs of five. All half-liters of beer are only 1 Tolar.

Festival Map

Remember!

It's never too early to plan your dream vacation! Prague is a top European destination with a whole lot to offer - culture, food, art, history (and of course, beer!). We can make this trip a reality - contact us for more information!

"Nothing is invented, for it's written in nature first." A great, quick video by Rick Stevens outlining some architectural masterpieces in Barcelona, particularly those by the great, late Gaudí.

From the video’s description:

Barcelona’s Eixample neighborhood is an architectural showcase for residents and tourists alike. Buildings adorned with Modernisma, Catalan’s version of Art Nouveau, line the Block of Discord with colorful, leafy, flowing and blooming shapes, ending with Gaudí’s triumphant Casa Milà. For more information on the Rick Steves’ Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more — visit www.ricksteves.com

Bonjour!

Europe isn’t as well-known for its street eats as some other regions, but there is a ton of variety of traditional and fusion flavors that you just have to try.

So here are the street cart smarts you need to navigate through the mixed and marvelous world of European street cuisine.

Picnic 
One of the most fun parts about Europe is the many squares, plazas, fountains, parks and other public spaces available that are perfect for setting up a picnic.

Oftentimes there are street vendors stationed nearby; especially in more urbanized areas street vendors continue to be a popular local snack or meal that you can find almost anywhere.

Set up with some chow to people-watch and chat with friends, or add a cheap bottle of wine and you have budget-friendly romantic date.

Farmers’ Markets 
This is one of the best places to find fresh produce, baked goods, drinks and snacks. European produce is high in quality, and since many people do their shopping out of Farmers’ Markets, you’ll have a large selection to choose from.

Throughout Europe you can find Farmers’ Markets that sell pre-maid snacks and meals for discount prices. Ask around locally (or ask us!) where you can find them.

Turkish Influences 
Particularly in Germany, the Netherlands, and France, a wave of immigration from Turkey and other countries in the Middle East has brought about an influx of delicious, rich flavors, now a staple in the street cart world.

In Berlin especially, Turks make up the majority of the immigrant population, meaning a plethora of fresh Turkish cuisine to enjoy.

Try the infamous döner, which is kebab meat with yoghurt sauce and fresh greens served in a flatbread like a sandwich. According to local legend it was invented in the 1970s by a business-minded Turkish immigrant at Kottbusser Tor.

Falafel is another popular import. In Amsterdam if you’re looking for a cheap, fresh snack, head over to the Amsterdam Central Station for the little falafel cart outside. For more about falafel in Amsterdam, check out this article.

Drink 
In Italy you can easily find a street-side café or Espresso bar for a quick, pick-me-up espresso.

For places like Prague and Berlin, lift your spirits with some wonderful mulled wine. In Berlin, you can find Glühwein, a hot spiced red wine, usually prepared with cinnamon sticks, vanilla pods, cloves, orange peel and sugar. Sometimes fruit wines, like blueberry and cherry wine, are used instead of grape wine. For an extra kick order itmit rum (with a shot of rum). Glühwein is über popular in Berlin, especially during Christmastime.

In Prague, between the art and craft stands at the Christmas Market in Old Town serves up the most warm and wonderful mulled wine. It’s strong and sweet and unlike anything you’ve ever tried.

Sweets 
Ich bin ein Berliner! Seriously though, if you’re in Berlin, don’t miss out on thepfannkichen, a type of doughnut filled with jam.

In Italy, it’s a gelato dream. In major cities you can find small, bodega-like establishments on pretty much every block. For a few Euros you can cool off with a few scoops of gelato. Stick to places that sell only gelato though. One good rule of thumb for food carts is the fewer the options the better the quality.

If you’re traveling to Belgium, you have to try the waffles. Squeezed between the incredible art and architecture in Brussels are dozens of small stands serving up fresh waffles, covered in fruit, chocolate and whipped cream.

In Paris and other areas of France, crepes are where it’s at. For dessert have one spread with confiture de ait or with salted butter and honey. Or if you’re me, lots and lots of nutella. Crêperies are available on almost every street corner and in addition to dessert-style, you can find Arab versions with feta cheese, spinach, olives and sausage or with grated gruyère cheese, and a softly-fried egg.

Here’s Where to Get the Best Crepes in Paris.

Fried Cheese 
Just stop and think about how good that sounds. One of the most popular and traditional of Czech street foods is syr smazeny, which is breaded and fried cheese, usually of the Edam, Gouda or Swiss variety. It typically comes with tatarska omacka (tartar sauce), along with fried potatoes, and salad or bread.

You can find this treat in Bulgaria too, except it’s made with kashkaval cheese.

Top Picks 
Europe is tricky because it’s a region that encompasses 50 different countries. There are a few top hits though, so we’ll try to point them out (let us know what we missed!)

England is famous for fish n’ chips, seasoned with vinegar and salt served on a paper plate piled high with chips (“french fries”).

Across the Balkans you’ll find the most delicious, hand-formed sausages also known ascevapi or cevaps, served on lepinje, a type of flat bread. On the Dalmatian coast in Croatia, it’s fried seafood and seafood salads, such as lignje na salatu (squid salad).

In Athens, it’s the gyros; Germany has sausage with bread, wurst, kartoffein, and struedel; Bury Market in England serves up the best blackpudding; and Stockholm has cheap knäckis, a sandwich of fried herring, topped with cucumbers and red onions, and served on hard bread.

Speaking of herring, don’t go to Amsterdam without trying the “nieuwe” herring, salted and served on a paper plate with onions and gherkin (pickles). Eat with a toothpick and enjoy the surprisingly mild, savory taste.

More Resources 
Here’s a good, more specialized guide to Eastern European Street Food

Huffpost Travel: The 8 Tastiest Street Foods in Europe

When I think back to my trip to Portland a few years ago, two things come to mind: 1) Rain (pretty, refreshing rain - not at all depressing), and 2) the food - Oh My God the food.

Turns out that the folks up in the Pacific Northwest have figured it all out. Through a combination of quality land planning, conscious citizens, organic farming movements, and the laid-back culture, comes one of the most excellent foodie cultures in the States.

Steph, from Twenty-Something Travel, posted an article on Portland: A Budget Foodie’s Heaven on Earth, naming all her favorite spots to get a cheap but delicious bite of food. Check it out!

Check out this list of 15 things to do for free in Rome posted by HostelWorld.

The only thing better than a trip to Rome is a thrifty trip to Rome, and these tips are creative and insightful and range from free food to live music spots.

For example, did you know that the Vatican museum is FREE to the public on the last Sunday of the month (9am-12:30pm)?

1. Bordeaux, France – Bordeaux is the largest high quality wine district in the world and a wine lovers dream.  Don’t forget to venture outside of the city and discover scenic vistas of the worlds most famous wine region.
2. Napa Valley, California USA – Whether you are looking for large producing wineries or smaller boutique family owned wineries you will be in your Glory in Napa.  The undisputed wine capital of the United States is home to world class wines and scenery.
3. Barossa Valley, Australia – Gaining more and more steam in recent years this region is known as the new world of wine. Don’t forget to pick up and enjoy a couple of the regions specialties the White Rieslings and Shirazes.
4. British Columbia, Canada- With some of the world’s great wine makers and several growing regions producing great vintages British Columbia is quickly becoming a wine lovers dream.
5.  Apulia, Italy- Some of the most fertile growing areas in all of Italy this area produces more wine than any other region in Italy. The wines produced in this region are defiantly food wines as they are luscious and heavy and go well with any local pasta dishes.